Because of his relatively unconventional rugby background, Louis Rees-Zammit's arrival in Kansas City has generated consistent intrigue.
He's a frequent topic of conversation, especially when considering how the NFL's new kickoff format might transform a play that had been reduced to little more than a formality in recent years. Rees-Zammit isn't getting ahead of himself, though, instead taking his NFL experience with the Chiefs one day at a time.
First step: Learn Andy Reid's playbook, a task that's easier said than done.
“I think it’s just learning all the plays," Rees-Zammit said Thursday when asked what was the biggest challenge for him so far. "(It’s) so different (than) what I’m used to. Obviously, in rugby you don’t have to learn as much, but I think physically I’m in good shape. I think rugby really prepared me for this with the conditioning (and) just being in physical shape. I think the biggest difference is just mental. Just staying on top of things, staying on top of the playbook and making no mistakes.”
As any football player will note, the simplest way to play yourself out of a job is by spending too much time thinking on the field. Mastering the playbook is always crucial for an individual to playing instinctively and thus, enjoy success at the pro level.
For many players coming from traditional backgrounds, this is nothing more than just another part of the process. For people like Rees-Zammit, however, it can prove to be challenging -- and could doom an athlete's chances of earning a job.
“I’m nonstop trying to learn this playbook because as soon as I can start not having to think about playing and just playing fast -- that’s the biggest thing for me," Rees-Zammit said.
Rugby also isn't a sport played while wearing much protective gear. Yes, it's strange to hear an NFL roster member speak of adjusting to wearing pads and a helmet, but that is Rees-Zammit's reality right now.
“With the International Player Pathway, we were in there for about two months -- pads and helmet, so I was just trying to get used to it, to be honest," Rees-Zammit said. "Obviously, never training with pads and a helmet is quite unusual, but that really prepped me to be able to come in here and kind of get the ball rolling straight away -- not having to get used to the pads and the helmet, so I was pretty prepared for that.”
Rees-Zammit's background is naturally fascinating, and his addition to the defending Super Bowl champions' roster only increases the allure. We've yet to see how the Chiefs might deploy him, however, and it's probably for good reason: He's still finding his footing.
It won't be long before it's time for Rees-Zammit to earn a job, though. Time to dig into that playbook.